Toll payment in India has undergone a revolutionary change with the introduction of FASTag. While cash payment at toll booths is still an option, FASTag has rapidly gained popularity for its convenience and efficiency. If you’re still deciding between FASTag and cash payment, here’s a detailed comparison to help you make an informed choice. Let’s understand why FASTag might be the better option for toll payments.

1. Convenience and Speed

With FASTag, toll payment becomes seamless. FASTag uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to automatically deduct toll charges when your vehicle passes through the toll plaza. No need to stop, hand over cash, or wait for change. Just drive through and let technology do the work. By recharging your FASTag wallet online, you’re always ready to hit the road.

Cash payments are the traditional way, but they often lead to long queues at toll plazas. Stopping to pay tolls, waiting for change, and dealing with human errors can add unnecessary delays to your journey.

2.  Ease of FASTag Recharge

With cash, you always need to ensure you have the exact amount or risk losing time waiting for change. Frequent travelers may find this especially inconvenient.

Recharging your FASTag wallet is simple and can be done through multiple methods such as online banking, UPI, or via the FASTag mobile app. You can even set up automatic top-ups to ensure you’re never caught off guard. The ease of FASTag recharge makes it far more practical for frequent travelers.

3. Time Savings

Studies show that vehicles with FASTag spend significantly less time at toll plazas compared to those paying by cash. By eliminating the need for manual transactions, FASTag can save you hours on long trips. Time lost at toll booths due to cash transactions can add up, particularly during peak hours or holidays when traffic is heavy. FASTag offers a considerable edge in saving time, making it ideal for regular travelers.

4. Cost Efficiency

Many toll plazas offer discounts or cashback for FASTag users. Additionally, avoiding idling time reduces fuel consumption, saving money in the long run. Cash payment doesn’t offer any additional benefits or discounts. You pay the toll amount as is, with no added incentives. FASTag is more cost-effective, especially for frequent users.

5. Transparency and Tracking

Tracking toll expenses with cash payments is cumbersome and prone to errors. Lost receipts or discrepancies in amounts paid are common issues. One of the biggest advantages of FASTag is the transparency it offers. Every transaction is recorded, and you can track your toll expenses through the mobile app or your FASTag account. This feature is particularly useful for businesses managing fleet operations. For transparency and tracking, FASTag can be a superior choice.

6. Environmental Benefits

By reducing stop-and-go traffic at toll booths, FASTag contributes to lower fuel consumption and decreased emissions. This makes it an eco-friendly option. The delays caused by cash transactions lead to longer idling times, which in turn increase fuel consumption and emissions. FASTag’s positive environmental impact makes it a better option for eco-conscious travelers.

7. Availability and Setup

Cash payment requires no setup but demands constant readiness with sufficient cash, which can be inconvenient. Purchasing a FASTag is simple. You can get it from banks, authorized dealers, or online marketplaces. Once linked to your vehicle and activated through the FASTag mobile app, you’re good to go.

 While FASTag requires an initial setup, its long-term benefits far outweigh the minimal effort.

8. Integration with Digital Platforms

FASTag can be linked to your bank account or digital wallets, making transactions seamless. The FASTag mobile app provides real-time updates on toll deductions and account balance. It’s a perfect example of how digital integration simplifies our lives. Cash payment offers no digital integration or advanced features. FASTag’s integration with digital platforms makes it a smarter choice for tech-savvy users.

9. Acceptance Across Toll Plazas

FASTag is now mandatory at most toll plazas in India. Its widespread acceptance ensures that you can travel without worrying about toll payments. Although still accepted, cash payment lanes are fewer, often leading to longer queues.

10. Emergency Readiness

Having a balance in your FASTag wallet ensures you’re always prepared for toll payments, even during emergencies. The ability to recharge via the mobile app adds to its reliability. During emergencies, not having the exact cash amount can cause unnecessary stress and delays. FASTag’s readiness in emergencies makes it a better choice.

Conclusion

When comparing FASTag and cash payment, FASTag emerges as the clear winner in terms of convenience, speed, cost-efficiency, and environmental benefits. While cash payment might still appeal to occasional travelers or those without access to digital platforms, it’s clear that FASTag is the way forward for a smarter, faster, and more efficient toll payment experience.

 So, if you haven’t already, consider getting a FASTag for your vehicle today With Bajaj Finserv. It’s time to embrace the future of toll payments and leave the hassle of cash transactions behind!